Thomas L. Keon

Expectancy theory and occupational/organizational choices: A review and test

Abstract A review of expectancy theory research concerning how individuals choose occupations or organizations is presented. Sixteen studies, conducted between 1966 and 1981, were found which used the within-subjects form of expectancy theory. The average within-person correlation between a valence—times—instrumentality index and an overall measure of occupational/organizatinal attractiveness is .72. The average “hit rate” for a valence—times—instrumentality index predicting which occupation/organization will be chosen is 63.4%. A method of “implicit weighting” is proposed as a way to combine valence and instrumentality while avoiding the questionable procedure of multiplying non-ratio scale variables. This implicit weighting method was used in a study of college graduates ( N = 93) choosing an M.B.A. program. In contrast to previous studies, the implicit weighting method was able to detect empirical support for the multiplicative propositions of expectancy theory.

Job Satisfaction and Life Satisfaction: An Empirical Evaluation of Their Interrelationship

A survey of job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and work related attitudes was administered to 129 employees of an auto parts manufacturer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between job and life satisfaction. Using three-stage least squares, the results suggest that the two variables are jointly determined.

Image Congruence and the Treatment of Difference Scores in Organizational Choice Research

This study examined how the perceived congruence between self-and organizational images affects ones choice of a graduate school of business. Applicants with a positive self-image (N = 64) select schools most like their self-image, whereas applicants with a negative self-image (N = 18) select schools least like their self-image. The retention of directionality in difference scores is shown to be a useful data analysis technique when testing congruence hypotheses.

The Rise and Fall of the Division of Labour, the Past 25 Years

Empirical research published during the past 25 years which focussed on the division of labour was reviewed. Identifiable themes indicated that researchers were principally interested in the relationship between segmentation and size, size/technology, size/administrative ratio, structure, and innovation. Additionally, two methodological issues, measurement and emergent/contextual, were the subjects of numerous articles. Despite the substantial decline in the number of articles published since the early 1970s, the nature of several interrelationships remains undetermined. Researchers were urged to pursue these topics within the current broader conception of organiz ations.

Toward a Clarification of the Division of Labor Construct

Empirical and theoretical articles written between 1958-1981 whose primary focus was the division of labor were reviewed. Definitional and operational problems are discussed as they account for discrepancies that exist in the literature. Standardized definitions of the various components of the division of labor are proposed for guiding future research clarity through standardization.